The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often is a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (419) 210-8287

Obviously, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.

Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.

Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

Be Safe: Water events can present many potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.

Water Source: It is very important to turn off the water. For most, the main shut-off valve is located either in your garage or utility room, or outside, next to the water meter.

Electrical: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Do not operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.

Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.

Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)

Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the damage:

Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.

Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can lead to extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.

Electronics/Appliances: Don’t any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.

Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use ”DIY” home carpet cleaners.

Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.

Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.

Food Items: Don’t consume food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been exposed to excessive heat.

Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.

Pets: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.

Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.

Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

If your home or business is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!